THE RHYTHM OF US: RYEJI

Chapter 8: Not So Anticipated Encounter

Yeji's POV

In the quiet confines of the library, I sat with Chaeryeong, both engrossed in our books. It was a peaceful setting until Chaeryeong decided to break the silence.

"So, tell me," Chaeryeong whispered with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I heard you had a date with Minho last night."

My eyes widened, and I leaned in closer to Chaeryeong, my voice hushed. "What? How did you know?"

Chaeryeong couldn't help but chuckle at my reaction. "You know, Minho's not the private type of person. He took a photo of you and posted it on Instagram."

My shock was palpable as I whispered, "What?"

I nodded eagerly when Chaeryeong offered to show me the post on Instagram. As I looked at the photo, my cheeks flushed. "My god, I look so bad here."

Chaeryeong smiled warmly, her eyes gentle as she teased, "But he definitely thought of you as the most beautiful girl in the world."

I couldn't help but cover my face in embarrassment. "Oh my gosh. So, a lot of people know now."

Chaeryeong leaned in closer and asked the question that had been on her mind: "So, are you two dating? Are you together now?"

My response was quick and firm. "No, definitely not. We're just friends."

Chaeryeong raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. "You're still friends? Why are you so slow?"

I let out a sigh and shrugged. "I don't know." The library's peaceful atmosphere seemed to contrast with the whirlwind of emotions and confusion in my mind.

As we continued our hushed conversation in the library, Chaeryeong's curiosity couldn't be contained.

"Speaking of just friends," Chaeryeong began. "Are Lia and Ryujin just friends?"

My mood suddenly shifted as I responded, "I don't know."

Chaeryeong pressed on, noting, "That's the second time you've said 'I don't know'."

I sighed in mild exasperation. "Because I don't know."

"Third," Chaeryeong teased, causing me to roll my eyes playfully. "But if those two are dating, I mean, I won't call it dating because, you know, your friend won't date."

I nodded in agreement, stating, "They're probably just enjoying each other's company."

Chaeryeong's curiosity persisted. "If they are dating, isn't that fun?"

Subconsciously, I replied, "No." As I quickly added, "I mean, what if the two of them get hurt, right?"

Chaeryeong reassured me, saying, "I'm pretty sure they know what they're doing, Yeji."

I nodded, repeating, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, right."

"Is there something wrong?" Chaeryeong inquired, her concern evident.

I replied, "No, nothing. I just remembered that I have some workloads to do." With that, I decided to leave Chaeryeong alone.

As I walked through the hallways, my thoughts began to wander.

I don't know what's gotten into me, but I just don't feel right anymore. Ryujin's relationship never really affected me. It never really affected our friendship. It didn't change. It wouldn't change.

While lost in my thoughts, I saw Minho and his friends holding a bouquet of flowers. His friends were teasing him and pushing him towards me; their cheers were loud and infectious.